Caring for a quadriplegic parent or other family member can be physically and emotionally challenging. Quadriplegia, sometimes tetraplegia, is paralysis of both legs and both arms. Quadriplegia and paraplegia are most often caused by spinal cord injuries but can also be caused by nerve diseases such as multiple sclerosis and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis amyotrophic lateral sclerosis sclerosis (Lou Gehrig’s Disease). Many people find it difficult to handle this type of physical disability. But, for those who want to try it, there are two things to remember.
In the Physical Part:
The physical aspect of caring for a quadriplegic individual is obvious. Man is to be raised and evolved, so that he may no longer lie in the same parts. That is, it prevents the beds or small ones. These ulcers, if not treated properly, can become inflamed and dangerous. And, relieved and ready to wash, he sat down to eat. Be sure to have a hospital bed; it will make your life a little easier and a little more comfortable.
With this, the patient must sometimes be lifted in a wheelchair, to change the bed or other occasions that arise. For a male carer this is not as difficult as it will be for a female carer. It is the art of using the system;
- Sit the patient, and you look at his legs on the bed
- By bending the knees outside (towards the front) the knees of the patient
- Put your arms under the wings of the sick
- lift the patient and turn him/her towards you in the direction of the wheelchair
- Gently lower him into the wheelchair and make sure his head and neck are supported.
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Before you start this way, make sure you have enough clearance to swing right next to you in it, and make sure the wheels are locked.
Having neck and leg braces would be helpful. It will help to keep from sliding, and will help to relieve the patient.
While I am not a professional caregiver, this is a technique my sister and I have used for our mother who has been a quadriplegic for several years. However, please check with your doctor before administering any treatment. I found it very interesting that when researching quadriplegia and care, there isn’t any information on what kind of caregivers are needed for specific services–certainly none that I could find.
If you need to treat someone with paraplegia or quadriplegia, you must have the patient under the care of a qualified specialist. The technician here will certainly be able to provide you with any necessary information regarding care.
On the Side Move:
The emotional aspect of caring for a quadriplegic family member can be overwhelming and much more difficult than the physical aspect. To watch a loved one in this situation is exhausting and at the same time we need to be able to handle it both physically and emotionally. It would be useful to join the support of other groups that are on your site. It is always helpful to learn from those with more experience and/or technical expertise. But when this came to pass, you could not go where it was necessary; the patient may become worse and take food and have difficulty breathing. A professional team will be needed here.
You can contact one of the following national organizations for more information on paraplegia and quadriplegia:
National Spinal Cord Injury Association
6701 Democracy Blvd, Ste 300-9
Bethesda, MD 20817
Phone: 1-800-962-9629
Web address: www.spinalcord.org2020 Peachtree Road, NW
Atlanta, Georgia, 30309-1402
Phone: 1-404-355-9772
Web address: www.asia-spinalinjury.orgParalyzed American Veterans
811 18th Street NW
Washington, DC, 20006
Phone: 1-800-424-8200
Web address: www.pva.orgHere are additional information and support sites:
http://www.nationalmssociety.org/
Christopher and Dana Director of the Paralysis Resource Center
http://www.paralysis.orghttp://www.myelin.org
http://www.women-health-guide.com/health/multiple-sclerosis.htm
ww.multiple-sclerosis.org
American Muscular Dystrophy Association
http://www.mdausa.org
